121 rescued from distressed boat
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Up to 121 passengers and crewmembers of a motor launch that went missing for a week were rescued in the waters off Tawi-Tawi on Tuesday.
The Philippine Navy said the M/L J Sayang 1, a passenger-cargo motor launch, had 106 passengers and 15 crewmembers on board when it departed the port of Zamboanga City for Turtle Islands in Taganak, Tawi-Tawi on Jan. 8.
The Navy’s BRP Jose Loor Sr. spotted the motor launch near Siklangkalong Island, according to Rear Adm. Francisco Tagamolila, chief of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao.
The vessel experienced engine trouble as it was sailing near Pangutaran, Sulu.
“Although repaired, the vessel suffered another mechanical issue, causing it to drift without communication capabilities,” Tagamolila said.
Local fishermen initially spotted the J Sayang 1 near the Pearl Bank off the coast of Languyan in Tawi-Tawi.
A Navy rescue team intercepted the motor launch and assisted its crewmembers and passengers, who were found to be in good physical condition.
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